Children always occupied a special place for Abraham Lincoln and he demonstrated it throughout the Civil War, an event which caused untold number of children to become orphans.

Lincoln said, “No Man Stands So Tall as When He Stoops to Help a Child.”

That same philosophy is shared by hundreds of Kiwanis Club members across the county as they celebrate the third week of January as National Kiwanis Week.

Lincoln’s love of children manifested itself a half-century later when, in 1915, Kiwanis International was founded as a community-minded organization for men and women who love and support children.

In Clayton County, that has been the philosophy of the Jonesboro Kiwanis Club since it was founded in 1965 and is celebrating its 48th year of service, said David Knowles, a retired Clayton County Public School teacher and president of the 24-member Jonesboro club.

In addition, Knowles has also taken on an even larger Kiwanis role is also serves as the membership chairman for of the central region of Kiwanis, which includes more than 30 clubs. He is also credited with starting one of the state’s newest Kiwanis Clubs in Lovejoy.

Although Knowles has been a Kiwanian since 1987, he and one of the founding members of the Jonesboro club, Charlie Banks, have a deep interest in helping children, which is reflected in their day-to-day Kiwanis activities.

Both agree the needs of children remain, as Banks said, “our first and foremost priority because support and service to children are what we are all about.”

Knowles said among the non-profit agencies which the Jonesboro Kiwanis Club supports in this effort are the House of Dawn, Inc., a facility for unwed mothers, the Rainbow House, which provides shelter for abused, neglected and abandoned children, the Salvation Army, the Department of Family and Children’s Services and Meals on Wheels, plus others.

In addition, the Jonesboro Kiwanis Club also does projects for the 4-H and Boy Scouts of America in addition to serving shut-ins and those in nursing homes through their various programs.

Banks and Knowles agree the only inspiration they need to continue their work is the look on a child’s face when they are comfortable and have their immediate needs met “and let these children be children,” Knowles said.

Banks said he grew up knowing the importance of service to the community and it has carried into his adult life.

“Kiwanis is also a great way to meet other good people doing great things for the community,” he said. “In addition, the friends you make as a Kiwanian are friends that will last a lifetime.”

Knowles said his participation in Kiwanis has opened his eyes to the needs of Clayton County children, a need which never ends.

“This situation has given me the desire to help children as much as I am able and the Kiwanis Club gives me that opportunity and I am grateful,” he added.